Clinical biochemistry
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2021
Using high sensitivity cardiac troponin values in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19): The Padova experience.
The spectrum of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is broad and thus early appropriate risk stratification can be helpful. Our objectives were to define the frequency of myocardial injury using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) and to understand how to use its prognostic abilities. ⋯ hs-cTnI at baseline is a significant predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients. A value < 5 ng/L identified patients at low risk.
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Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2021
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM improves clinical sensitivity early in disease course.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is diagnosed by molecular-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Serologic testing detects antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 and IgM specifically may serve as an adjunct test to PCR early in disease. We evaluated the Abbott anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG assays along with DiaSorin anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Roche anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total. ⋯ The Abbott IgM assay exhibited the earliest response and greatest signal in most patients evaluated for serial sampling and had the highest NPV < 14 days post-PCR positivity, suggesting its potential utility as an adjunct test to PCR early in disease course.
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Clinical biochemistry · Mar 2021
ReviewCRISPR-based tools: Alternative methods for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread all over the world rapidly and caused a global pandemic. To prevent the virus from spreading to more individuals, it is of great importance to identify and isolate infected individuals through testing. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide. ⋯ We explain how the unique properties of various CRISPR-associated enzymes are utilized for nucleic acid detection and pathogen diagnosis. Then, we highlight the important features of CRISPR-based diagnostic methods developed for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Finally, we examine the advantages and limitations of these methods, and discuss how they can contribute to improving the efficiency of the current testing systems for combating SARS-CoV-2.
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Clinical biochemistry · Mar 2021
Comparative StudyComparing the diagnostic value of serum oligosaccharide chain (G-test) and alpha-fetoprotein for hepatitis B virus-related liver cancer.
The study compared the diagnostic efficiency of serum oligosaccharide chain (G-test) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ G-test was better than AFP for screening HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. The combination of the two further improved the diagnostic rate of hepatitis B-related liver cancer. The G-test improves the screening rate of early HCC in patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, these markers are of great clinical significance and can improve the sensitivity of HCC detection and reduce missed diagnosis rates.
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Clinical biochemistry · Mar 2021
Increased oxidative stress and inflammatory markers contrasting with the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a disorder that is closely associated with risk factors that increase the chance of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. We demonstrate the presence of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with MetS through levels of antioxidants and oxidative and inflammatory markers, in order to determine influential variables in therapy. ⋯ The analyzes indicated oxidative stress, together with a reduction in the levels of antioxidant enzymes, corroborating the high consumption of these proteins. In addition, inflammation and activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway was observed by the AChE analysis. Thus, the activation of this pathway can be studied as a possible route to a potential therapy. In addition, the markers AChE, CRP and UA may be used as a focus for the treatment of MetS.